bioLytical Launches World's Fastest HIV Self Test in UK
LONDON, November 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
INSTI HIV Self Test detects HIV two weeks sooner than other brands
Ahead of European HIV Testing Week (18-25 November), the world's fastest HIV self-test will go on sale in the UK, relieving pressure on overcrowded sexual health clinics.
bioLytical Laboratories, a world leader in rapid infectious disease tests, has developed the INSTI® HIV Self Test following research revealing that over 103,000 people are living with HIV in the UK and an estimated 18,100 remain unaware of their positive status.[1]
Stan Miele, bioLytical's Chief Commercial Officer, says: 'Our purpose in developing the INSTI HIV Self Test was to provide an easy, affordable, consumer-friendly solution that would empower individuals to take control of their health in a discrete way, and within the comfort of their own home. Consumers want to know their status as soon as possible. Now they can choose INSTI which detects HIV up to two weeks sooner than all other HIV home tests currently on the market.'
Recent reports have shown that funding cuts have resulted in clinic closures across the country, which is putting tremendous pressure on the remaining clinics.[2] Specifically in high prevalence areas, failure to fund routine testing in GP surgeries is leading to late diagnosis.[3] [4]
With one finger prick and a single drop of blood, the INSTI HIV Self Test provides instant results and is over 99% accurate. With other home tests, individuals must wait 15 to 20 minutes (after the test is conducted) for a result to be produced or several days or weeks in the case of laboratory tests.
The INSTI HIV Self Test kit also includes a resource card on where to seek help or for those who have general questions on HIV screening.
Mr. Miele continues: 'To supplement the test, a clear guide is provided directing consumers to the right place to seek further support and advice following the result. It will be important to liaise directly with their local GP or sexual health clinic in the case of a positive result.'
The test is available now online at http://www.INSTI-HIVSelfTest.com and costs 29.95 Euros (£25.95*) per kit.
Issued by Beattie Communications on behalf of bioLytical Laboratories Inc.
About bioLytical Laboratories Inc.
bioLytical Laboratories Inc. is a privately owned Canadian company engaged in the research, development and commercialization of rapid, point of care in vitro medical diagnostics using its proprietary INSTI technology platform. With a world-wide footprint of regulatory approvals including US FDA approval, Health Canada approval and CE mark, bioLytical markets and sells its INSTI HIV test globally and INSTI HIV/Syphilis Multiplex test in Europe. The INSTI product line provides highly accurate test results in 60 seconds or less, far faster than the 15-20 minutes required for competitors' tests based on lateral flow technology. bioLytical has an active R&D program with a pipeline that includes tests for diseases such as Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, Hepatitis C and Ebola, among others. The company also provides contract services to adapt the INSTI platform to meet custom functional and technical diagnostic testing requirements. For more information, please visit http://www.biolytical.com.
*sold in Euros - sale price in sterling subject to exchange rate
[1] http://www.hivaware.org.uk/facts-myths/hiv-statistics
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/views-from-the-nhs-frontline/2016/jun/27/government-cuts-are-brewing-a-sexual-health-crisis
[3] http://www.localgov.co.uk/Councils-failing-to-fund-HIV-testing/41834
[4] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-37633936
Jeremy Page, Jeremy.page@onlybeattie.com , +44(0)207-053-6413
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